An Ecuadorian migrant who allegedly entered the United States illegally in 2021 has been taken into custody by the New York Police Department (NYPD) in connection with the brutal sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl in Queens' Kissena Park. The suspect, armed with a machete-style blade, allegedly approached the girl and a 13-year-old boy in broad daylight on Thursday afternoon, forcing them into a secluded area of the park before tying their wrists with shoelaces and raping the girl.
The horrific attack, which occurred just 3 miles from Citi Field, home of the New York Mets, and near the site of the 1964 World's Fair and the U.S. Open, sent shockwaves through the community and prompted a massive manhunt by the NYPD. More than 60 investigators were allocated to the case in an "all hands" effort to bring the perpetrator to justice.
The suspect, described as a male Hispanic in his 20s with braces and a tattoo of a horned animal with red eyes on his chest, was arrested Monday evening after neighbors recognized him from wanted posters distributed by the police. The vigilant residents held the man down and called 911, leading to his apprehension.
"It was good police work," said Joseph Giacalone, a retired NYPD sergeant and professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. "They got the drawings out of the suspect and his tattoo, and then were able to secure the surveillance photo and ... some help from the public - but that's how it's supposed to work."
The migrant suspect had several prior low-level offenses, including subway fare jumping and drinking in public. Giacalone emphasized the importance of enforcing minor crimes, stating, "Enforcing minor crimes matters, even though the city council is trying to tell us no. It not only creates deterrence for future crimes, but it also creates the opportunity for the police to gather intelligence, in order to track people down who have done such heinous crimes like the one we just saw."
The brazen attack left the community on edge, with parents expressing their concerns for their children's safety. "Everybody is tense since the news because we all have small children that are playing here, and it happened in the day," father Alankar Ngar told The Post over the weekend.
Following the assault, the traumatized teens ran to their nearby school, where they alerted staff members who called 911. The NYPD had offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and blasted out images and footage of the suspect on Monday night.
NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey addressed the community's concerns at a Friday briefing, stating, "I want [the community] to rest assured that we will spare no expense. We will use every investigative resource and, again, implore the help of the community to help us bring closure for these young children and for this family."
The suspect was recognized by other residents living in the same Queens shelter, who promptly notified the authorities. Charges against the suspect are pending as the investigation continues.
